An investigation into the variation with temperature of the normal electrode potential of zinc and of the activity coefficients of zinc sulphate solutions

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University of Canterbury

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Science

When two metals each dipping into a solution of one of its salts are joined together in the form of a circuit, a current flows between them. This fact although noted by Volta has so far resisted all attempts to interpret it convincingly. Volta explained the course of this electric current on the theory of contact potential difference. Faraday on the other hand put forward the theory that the current was merely the electrical energy produced by the chemical changes taking place in the cell. Later experiments have formulated theories embracing both of these points of view but still unanimity has not been reached. Probably the most outstanding of the determinations made was that due to Nernst. It is now well known how the gas laws were applied to liquid and solutions through the discovery of the Osmotic Pressure of liquids.